They continued the lesson for about an hour or so, before Vladislav rose to fetch them some tea.

By the time he returned however, Beatrice had fallen asleep, slumped against the arm of the sofa.

Vladislav watched her for a time, before placing the tray down upon the low coffee-table.

He took a small blanket from the side, placing it gently over her.

‘Poor girl’ he uttered to himself. ‘You must be so exhausted, this all must be so much to take in.’

He sat back on the sofa, leaning back and craning his head towards the ceiling.

Vladislav let out a sigh, before the lights in his eyes went out.

He remained sleeping for a time, until a short-sharp scream woke him up.

Vladislav opened his eyes, sitting up. He turned towards Beatrice.

‘Are you alright?’

‘There’s a noise’ Beatrice said, her voice trembling, ‘a demon outside.’

‘Demon?’

‘Listen’ Beatrice hissed, eyes wide and darting about. ‘It came from outside.’

Vladislav froze, listening intently.

A few moments later, that sound that had spooked Beatrice occurred again.

‘Ah.’

Vladislav relaxed.

‘That is nothing to worry about. That is merely a fox.’

‘A fox?’

‘Did you not have them where you once lived?’

‘No’ Beatrice shook her head, clutching the blanket to her chest. ‘They were chased away, hunted…we had dogs that stayed close to the barns, they would protect the chickens and other animals.’

‘I see’ Vladislav said. ‘Do you remember, I told you earlier today, that the only noise that disturbs the peace in the countryside, is the sound of the fox. The vixen scream. I assure you, there is nothing to be afraid of. It’s perfectly normal. You will likely hear it again, and many times in the future.’

‘What is it?’ Beatrice asked, ‘why do they make such a terrible noise?’

‘It’s a mating call’ Vladislav told her calmly, rising to a stand and offering his hand to her once more. ‘Come on, you should go to bed to rest properly.’

A short time later, Beatrice was wearing a teal-coloured nightdress. The new item of clothing felt so clean and fresh.

She lay back in bed, the sheets cool and comforting against her skin.

‘Beatrice…’ Vladislav whispered to her, kneeling beside her bed, ‘I want you to be happy here, please tell me if there is anything more I can do to make you happy.’

‘No’ Beatrice uttered. ‘You’ve been very kind to me, and I cannot ever repay your kindness.’ She paused. ‘But there is one thing…’

‘The contract?’ Vladislav responded.

‘Yes.’ Beatrice gave a nod. ‘It seems we’re on the same thought.’

‘You said the seller has a copy.’

‘That’s right.’

‘What if…’ Vladislav began, ‘I was able to obtain the seller’s copy of the contract?’

‘You could do such a thing?’ Beatrice gasped.

‘Yes,’ Vladislav bowed his head, the lights in his eyes going out for a moment, as he slowly blinked. ‘I could find the person who owned you before me, the seller, and destroy the copy of the contract that he has.’ He paused. ‘How would that make you feel?’

‘That would…’ Beatrice fumbled, ‘…that would be wonderful. There would be no evidence at all that I was ever owned. That would…’ she broke off again, thinking about her words, ‘…that would make me very happy.’

‘Then it shall be done.’

Vladislav rose to his feet, towering over Beatrice. But she felt completely relaxed.

‘I will go now’ he told you. ‘Please’ he said, ‘sleep, rest, and worry about nothing. You are welcome to wander this home as you wish. Just please, stay inside during night-time if you will. There are no dangers here, but the landscape is still unfamiliar to you, and I wouldn’t want you to get lost or hurt.’

‘I…think I will stay in bed’ Beatrice told him. ‘I would not feel safe leaving when I know you’re not close-by.’

‘I shan’t be long’ Vladislav assured her, drifting towards the front door.

‘It’s a long way to travel to where you found me’ Beatrice told him. ‘How will you get there so soon.’

‘Magic’ he told her. ‘Of course.’

He opened the front door.

‘Please’ he told her, as he stepped outside, ‘rest.’

He closed the door quietly behind him.

Beatrice fell asleep quickly after that, feeling happy, safe, and comfortable.

She was woken the next morning when Vladislav returned to her.

‘Here’ he said, handing her a sheet.

Beatrice looked over it, seeing that it was a contract of ownership. It had her name on. It was the sellers copy.

‘This is what you wanted, wasn’t it?’ he asked.

‘Yes’ she gasped in disbelief.

‘Then follow me.’

Vladislav walked outside, Beatrice echoing his footsteps.

The mage held the sheet in his hands, and before her very eyes, the paper burst into flames, burning bright and fast, before being reduced to ash that blew in the wind. Wind that was summoned by Vladislav.

‘You can even control the weather’ Beatrice gasped. ‘You can even control the elements.’

Vladislav turned to face her, letting out a slow breath, showing nothing of his emotions and thoughts.

‘Let’s go back inside’ he said. ‘I will make you breakfast.’

 [END OF CHAPTER]